Even.

"Dunma, can I talk to you?" A rough deep voice called from behind her., stopping the conversation she was having with Gaddison at that moment. Turning to see who had called her, she was greeted by a large male zora. Much taller and broader than she, blue scales, sharp red eyes and a head fin which was unusual for Zora.

Quite frankly - Tiel was very unusual for a Zora, but his looks interested a good few. No matter what he looked like, he was strong and loyal to his people. At the end of the day that was all that really mattered. Giving a quick nod she turned back to Gaddison, promising to catch up with her later before taking her leave.

As she approached the other Zora he motioned for them to walk. Tucking her hands behind her back, she kept pace with his strides. Very aware of how much taller he was than her, when she had first met him. His sheer size and unusual looks had intimidated her. She learned very quickly there was nothing about him that was intimidating. Not unless you were on the other side of his blade.

The walk was short, but the area was clear of others. When he stopped she turned to face him waiting to see why he had asked to talk to her.

"Can I ask you something?" He scratched the back of his neck. Was he nervous? She just nodded in return rather curious as to what he wanted.

"What did you mean when you said we were even?" He tilted his head slightly looking down at her. She nearly laughed as if he wasn't serious. The look he had stopped her from doing just that. Squinting for a moment she raised a brow.

"You really don't remember do you?"

"Uhh…" He averted his gaze for a moment then looked back at her blankly giving a shrug after a minute or so.

"Oh wow." She couldn't help but gasp "you really don't know. When I was new to the guard you saved my life. It was the time before this when the Yiga attacked. I had been outnumbered by them, you came to my rescue with not a moment to spare. To say I have admired you since then is an understatement. Because of you I have trained harder than ever. I hope that it's because of that, this time the Yiga stood less of a chance." Her voice was calm and even, and her expression barely changed. Her eyes glittered with admiration as she retold her tale.

"While I didn't see it as a debt to be repaid. I can't deny how thankful I have felt all these years. My father, Riven, has been even moreso." That finally got a small smile from her. "You are considered a hero by many of our people Tiel. Even if you are not aware of this fact."

He looked away from her again, looking out into the distance but nothing at all. She waited for him to process what he had been told before he turned back to her.

"What do the others say?"

She wondered how a Zora as big as he was, could seem so small in this moment. Staring at him for a moment she gestured to a bench nearby. If she was going to recount the stories, it'd be much nicer to rest while doing so. "Come on, let's sit down, I'll tell you everything I know."

Once they settled in Tiel leaned forward, resting his arms on his legs. She was sure it was to lessen the height between them. Expectant red eyes on her as she mulled over where to start.

"You already know my story, but the one everyone talks about the most is you saving the Prince. Your duty to do so or not does not matter. Guards still talk about you with awe in their voices, you changed many lives that day. I know Princess Mipha and King Dorephan are the most thankful. Most guards still call you the prince's hero." She put her hand on his arm after he had moved them to the scars.

"I am sorry for what happened. Our people wish they could find anyway to help you return to the water." She patted his arm gently before returning her hand to her own lap. Silence passed for a few minutes.

"Do they say anything else!" Tiel glanced at her then back to the floor.

This got a small smile from her and a small head nod. "Oh yes, there are many stories about you. Your kindness and willingness to help out. How you fought in battle and protected others. And your head bumps and how you nearly knocked a few of your own out. There are so many stories and they are all so fond Tiel." She made sure he looked up at her. "You are very loved."

The next while she ran through as many stories as she could remember. Some getting a hearty laugh out of Tiel. Other times he looked sad but happy at the bittersweet moments. Overall she hoped these stories were good to him and he knew how much he was appreciated.

"I should be getting back to the barracks. I promised I'd help Gaddison out with some techniques, I'm sure she's wondering where I am." She stretched as soon as she stood up enjoying the feeling.

"Thank you for sharing all of that with me Dunma. It means an awful lot to me." Tiel looked up at her with soft red eyes. How could anyone find him intimidating when he was so sweet. She nodded in return.

"Anytime, if I hear any more I will share with you. I hope you feel closer to your people through these stories Tiel." She offered him her hand to both help him up and to give it a shake. "Thank you for saving me all those years ago, so we could have a moment like this."

Tiel stared at her for a moment, having already taken her hand. What she didn't expect to happen was for him to stand up and yanked her into a hug then promptly bump his crest against hers. She yelped in surprise but returned the bump the best she could. Giving a little purr in return and hearing him match it. This must be what it was like to have an older brother. And she for one was very okay with this.